HC Deb 09 April 1941 vol 370 cc1565-6
57. Mr. Lipson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will fix maximum prices for meals in hotels and restaurants to prevent unreasonable consumption of food, and wasteful expenditure of money, which should be employed in the war effort?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George)

No, Sir. The consumption of food in restaurants is already regulated under the provisions of the Food (Restrictions on Meals in Establishments) Order.

Mr. Lipson

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether non-rationed foods are also regulated, and is it not the consumption of non-rationed foods that ought to be cut down, as many hotels and restaurants may be turned into luxury feeding places and encourage consumption and waste?

Major Lloyd George

We have cut down the supplies of rationed foodstuffs, but the fixing of maximum prices might well lead to the consumption of more food.